Reports are emerging in Vanuatu that the efforts to repatriate 11,000 people to Ambae island is not going as well as authorities claim.

Since Saturday, the government has been facilitating the transfer of the entire island's population from neighbouring islands, after they were ordered to evacuate last month amid fears the Manaro volcano might erupt.

But with the alert level reduced, authorities say it is safe for people to return.

But a journalist with local radio station, BuzzFM, Mavuku Tokona says questions are being raised about the process.